Online Gambling is the act of risking something of value (such as money, possessions or your reputation) on virtual games of chance that are available via the internet. It is a hugely popular pastime and the gambling industry is worth billions of dollars every year.
It has been a growing industry since the ’90s and has grown significantly in recent years as technological advances have made it easier and more accessible for people to gamble from their homes. There are now more than 85 countries that have legalized the activity and reputable casinos offer a high level of security, with sophisticated encryption software to ensure that your personal details remain safe.
Most online casinos are regulated by a governing body to ensure that they follow responsible gaming policies. This includes allowing players to set loss limits and self-exclude if they wish. In addition, they are likely to use reputable payment processors and have their software regularly audited by independent companies.
Although the majority of online gambling is carried out in a safe and secure environment, there are still concerns about the morality of the practice and some argue that it is contributing to societal problems such as debt and addiction. If you think your gambling is becoming a problem, you can take a free online assessment from GamCare to get advice and support. This will ask you a series of questions about your gambling habits and will give you a personalised report.